Whilst you might think I am the glamorous type from my photos, I am certainly not afraid of getting my hands dirty and getting a little mucky… especially in a good cause!
This last year has been a year of transformation for me. I found out I had been very bogged down in my own problems. I was living in a bubble and to an extent had lost sight of a lot of issues that were previously important to me. Everything was so stressful and painful at the time that it was hard for me to read about world issues, without becoming extremely distressed and dwelling on them, As a result I felt like something was missing.from my life.
As I came out of my bubble, re-gained my confidence and was able to deal with re-educating myself about what was going on in the world, I started on a voyage of rediscovery.
Whilst I would still often end up in tears…(after all it’s a lot easier to suppress tears when you are crying for yourself as you see it as a weakness that should not be permitted. When they are tears for someone or something else, they are much harder to suppress because the injustice is so immense, and in a way you think that perhaps you should suffer emotionally to an extent as you have not been able to help that person or creature) rather than feeling hopeless, I was instead filled with a burning determination to help create change and help others. As a writer (and actress/performer with a wide audience) I felt that something I could do was use my social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and indeed my blogs to help raise awareness about issues such as Animal Welfare and Cancer Research to name a couple. As I did so, the feeling of satisfaction was far more immense than anything I have achieved for myself.
I have a few heroes that are huges sources of inspiration to me. One is Ricky Gervias. Aside from his stand up comedy, radio and tv shows (which have helped me through dark times) he is a strong Ambassador for Animal Welfare. He is a supporter of PETA and uses his public persona to encourage fair treatment of animals, and kindness towards the elderly. Another is Paul McCartney who also does a lot of work in the interest of animal welfare.
And far closer to home, my two older Sisters who entertained the Race4life and ran an incredible 27 miles! They are truly amazingly, caring people.
In modern society it is so easy to become detached from the real issues going on. We are so busy and time is scarce. However we should remind ourselves that by getting involved and doing our best to make positive changes, not only are we helping to make the world a better place, but we can gain a sense of satisfaction. A satisfaction far deeper than the superficial trappings of modern life. Of course that is true for me anyway, and it is not my aim to tell people what they should do or how they should feel, merely to share my own personal experiences and give you some food for thought.
Recently I was honoured to be asked to do some presenting for the Ink Tattoo Event in aid of raising money for Cancer Research. The studio tattooed the Cancer Ribbons on to people, and I was one of the presenters, and interviewed people about why raising money for Cancer Research was important to them.
Earlier I mentioned my sisters entered the Race4Life. I would have loved to have joined them but was prevented by 2 factors, my athsma and also at the time I was recovering from a large amount of stress. I expressed my regret to my middle sister so when she saw the race “Pretty Muddy Bristol†(which is a lot muckier, but requires less physical stress) she suggested I join her. Loving the idea I signed up immediately and am now racing on 5th July next month in aid of Cancer Research. My target is £600 and so far I have reached 20% of my target have been donated £120 for Cancer Research.
Cancer is something that can effect anyone of any age and any creature. So many of us have been affected by it in someway, lost somebody to it or have had someone close to us fighting it. Cancer has blighted the lives of a few of my loved ones and friends. Back in 2006, a good friend and mentor of mine lost his battle with Cancer, and we watched him suffer and slip away. This was perhaps one factor that contributed to what I call my ‘dark years’. When someone very close to me then discovered that they had a tumour I spiralled into a dark state of anxiety. I was convinced that I would lose them. I felt helpless, unable to do anything about it, filled with self hatred for not being able to do more. Yes, ridiculous I know. But getting involved and helping is perhaps one form of feeling that you have some level of control. Even though you don’t really, you are helping to make a difference. If enough of us do that, we will be able one day to control Cancer and find cures and preventions.
I was very lucky and my relative won their battle and is currently very healthy. But others have not been so lucky. If we all work hard together though, raise awareness and funds, we CAN change the future. We CAN save lives and make a difference. Don’t EVER feel like you are insignificant and inconsequential. Every one of us is special and capable of so much. Alone, we are unique and capable. Together we are a strong efficacious collective, with unmeasurable potential. We are an amazing force and can create a magnificent future, and live in a society that is creative, dynamic and altruistic.
If you would like to sponsor me, you can do so here: http://www.justgiving.com/KarenTheLouise
If you have any ideas on helping, getting involved with good causes, or would be interested in creating some Youtube videos with me on these topics or similar or you have an interesting story to share, then please get in touch 🙂 OR if you have an event or project and are looking for volunteers please feel free to send me an e-mail.
